DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino
STUDIO: Miramax Films
STARRING: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah
RATING: R
GENRE: Action, Thriller
GRADE: B
I waited far too long to see this film - and yes, I count these separate films as one, and I shall get to that later.
This film is about a pregnant bride (Thurman) that was tortured and shot on her wedding day, by Bill (Carradine) the father of her child. [Now, don't think of this as spoiling, you discover this within the first few minutes of the story] The Bride vows her revenge on Bill, and his four accomplices for torturing her and causing her to lose her baby.
As Tarantino-esque as this film is, by the style and violence level, this is probably my least of the four I have seen. The story lacks originality. A revenge story about a hurt person - nothing new or inventive, expect maybe the use of weapons. There are very similar plots in other films that were better executed (The Godfather, Memento, True Grit). Those films have a higher quality because it focuses less on the how they achieved their vengeance, but how their character developed and changed through that achievement.
Also, I have never really enjoyed Uma Thurman's work - and that may just be my preference. Even though I saw her act as a strong warrior, I just could not take her seriously. Again, do not let this change your preference of viewing this movie, that is just my take on Thurman as an actress.
Now, that I have said so many negative things, it's time to discuss the positive! This is Tarantino's best film cinematography-wise. So much of the visuals are brilliant and stunning, which add to the relatively average story. So many of the fight sequences are the best I have ever seen, including classic westerns. Even though you would assume a 30-minute fight sequence would be repetitive, Tarantino finds a way to keep you on the edge.
I consider these two separate movies as one film because to truly understand the story and development is to watch them one after the other. Another reason I think like this is because I believe both movies stretched about 15 minutes each, and if they hadn't it would have been a little over two and half hours long as one film.
Regardless of how I feel about the story, all supporting characters are wonderful and very entertaining, and I do not even need to speak of Tarantino's directing - his name almost speaks for itself.
Solid "B."
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
50/50 (2011)
DIRECTOR: Jonathon Levine
STUDIO: Summit Entertainment
STARRING: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, Comedy
GRADE: B+
Sadly, I was not able to view this film in the theatres. It is very rarely that I prefer watching a film with a general audience, but I think it could have made the movie that much more impacting.
"50/50" is about a young radio journalist's (Gordon-Levitt) life as he discovers he has a rare form of cancer. The story follows he, his girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard), his best friend and co-worker (Rogan) and his therapist (Kendrick) and how each person handles the news and development differently.
I will begin by saying I've never had a film touch me emotionally in some scenes, while still making me laugh throughout since "The Apartment." Many movie-goers today do not realize how Billy Wilder innovated the idea of a dramatic comedy with this film. "50/50" was very well-directed and it gave such a deep inside look to what it could be like having cancer.
Another high point is the writing, because so many characters are written beautifully, and are easy to relate to. Cancer has touched everyone, even in a small way, so we all can identify with one or two characters.
My complaint is the development with his girlfriend throughout the entire movie. I understand that we were supposed to dislike her - and trust me, I did - but it never shared her side. It made her out to be a villain. Even though she was clearly in the wrong, it would be interesting if they had taken a scene or two that developed what she had to go through as well.
Overall, a very touching movie, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt spectacularly sucks the audience in and allows them to understand exactly what and why his character is feeling. Solid "B+."
STUDIO: Summit Entertainment
STARRING: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, Comedy
GRADE: B+
Sadly, I was not able to view this film in the theatres. It is very rarely that I prefer watching a film with a general audience, but I think it could have made the movie that much more impacting.
"50/50" is about a young radio journalist's (Gordon-Levitt) life as he discovers he has a rare form of cancer. The story follows he, his girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard), his best friend and co-worker (Rogan) and his therapist (Kendrick) and how each person handles the news and development differently.
I will begin by saying I've never had a film touch me emotionally in some scenes, while still making me laugh throughout since "The Apartment." Many movie-goers today do not realize how Billy Wilder innovated the idea of a dramatic comedy with this film. "50/50" was very well-directed and it gave such a deep inside look to what it could be like having cancer.
Another high point is the writing, because so many characters are written beautifully, and are easy to relate to. Cancer has touched everyone, even in a small way, so we all can identify with one or two characters.
My complaint is the development with his girlfriend throughout the entire movie. I understand that we were supposed to dislike her - and trust me, I did - but it never shared her side. It made her out to be a villain. Even though she was clearly in the wrong, it would be interesting if they had taken a scene or two that developed what she had to go through as well.
Overall, a very touching movie, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt spectacularly sucks the audience in and allows them to understand exactly what and why his character is feeling. Solid "B+."
Friday, November 23, 2012
Chinatown (1974)
DIRECTOR: Roman Polanski
STUDIO: Paramount Pictures
STARRING: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston
RATING: R
GENRE: Crime, Drama, Mystery
GRADE: A-
"Chinatown" is a film about a private investigator, Gittes, (Nicholson) who is hired to spy on a rich man, involved in a controversial water debate. The plot thickens when his wife (Dunaway) becomes involved and drags Gittes in as well.
Across the board acting is wonderful, and a lot of it is due to Polanski's directing. He knows how to light and set a scene so well, it merely becomes a stage for the actors to perform. While it isn't Jack Nicholson at his complete best, he still shines in every scene.
My only small complaint is some of the dialogue. Many things were not clear in scenes, and I just had to pretend they did not matter, and continue with the plot. While the script lacked, the movie is still a classic and will be watched years to come.
STUDIO: Paramount Pictures
STARRING: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston
RATING: R
GENRE: Crime, Drama, Mystery
GRADE: A-
"Chinatown" is a film about a private investigator, Gittes, (Nicholson) who is hired to spy on a rich man, involved in a controversial water debate. The plot thickens when his wife (Dunaway) becomes involved and drags Gittes in as well.
Across the board acting is wonderful, and a lot of it is due to Polanski's directing. He knows how to light and set a scene so well, it merely becomes a stage for the actors to perform. While it isn't Jack Nicholson at his complete best, he still shines in every scene.
My only small complaint is some of the dialogue. Many things were not clear in scenes, and I just had to pretend they did not matter, and continue with the plot. While the script lacked, the movie is still a classic and will be watched years to come.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
21 Jump Street (2012)
DIRECTOR: Phil Lord and Christ Miller
STUDIO: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
STARRING: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube
RATING: R
GENRE: Comedy, Action
GRADE: B
When I first heard about this movie, I was worried about how it would change or reflect the old "21 Jump Street" television show, with Johnny Depp. Especially once I saw that Channing Tatum was hired, and I have never been a fan of his acting.
The film has two police officers, one a cautious one (Hill) and the other stupid and reckless (Tatum). After failing at patrolling on a daily basis, they are sent to a division of undercover cops called 21 Jump Street. They are sent back to high school, while trying to bust a drug ring that is circling the school system.
While a few jokes fall flat, most anything that is meant to be humorous works very well! This movie defines what is the common humor today, but it does it without any gross-out jokes or overdoing the vulgarity. I believe this can go back to good writing and directing.
Also, with both directors, you would think the movie would be imbalanced or inconsistent, but two may have actually been better than one. I actually liked Tatum, and I can only attribute it to the director, not his progression in acting. (any other movie with him past this still is not as good)
Very funny movie, and while the jokes are not very clever, they can make most anyone laugh. Definite "B."
STUDIO: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
STARRING: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube
RATING: R
GENRE: Comedy, Action
GRADE: B
When I first heard about this movie, I was worried about how it would change or reflect the old "21 Jump Street" television show, with Johnny Depp. Especially once I saw that Channing Tatum was hired, and I have never been a fan of his acting.
The film has two police officers, one a cautious one (Hill) and the other stupid and reckless (Tatum). After failing at patrolling on a daily basis, they are sent to a division of undercover cops called 21 Jump Street. They are sent back to high school, while trying to bust a drug ring that is circling the school system.
While a few jokes fall flat, most anything that is meant to be humorous works very well! This movie defines what is the common humor today, but it does it without any gross-out jokes or overdoing the vulgarity. I believe this can go back to good writing and directing.
Also, with both directors, you would think the movie would be imbalanced or inconsistent, but two may have actually been better than one. I actually liked Tatum, and I can only attribute it to the director, not his progression in acting. (any other movie with him past this still is not as good)
Very funny movie, and while the jokes are not very clever, they can make most anyone laugh. Definite "B."
Monday, November 19, 2012
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
DIRECTOR: Robert Benton
STUDIO: Columbia Pictures
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander
RATING: PG
GENRE: Drama
GRADE: B+
Dustin Hoffman has done it again, and although this film may not have the most Oscar-worthy performance of his career, I am glad that he won one. Those may argue that it was a career-long Oscar, not necessarily for this film in particular, but that's another topic for a different day.
Anyways, this film opens with a wife and mother (Streep) leaving her husband (Hoffman) and son (Justin Henry). The first and second act are all about Hoffman's character adjusting to his new single-parent life. But, the plot complicates when Streep's character returns and wants to fight for custody of their son.
Overall, excellent performances are across the board. Even the eight-year-old Justin Henry was excellent. I really adored the complexity of the situation, and how many people who have not experienced a divorce in a family can now understand on a certain level. Hoffman brought me to tears more than once.
The reason it received a "B+" and not higher is only because I didn't enjoy the actual story. I understand that it was an inside look at the problems and gray-area of a divorce, however it never caught my full interest. Still a very good film, but not quite "A" worthy.
STUDIO: Columbia Pictures
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander
RATING: PG
GENRE: Drama
GRADE: B+
Dustin Hoffman has done it again, and although this film may not have the most Oscar-worthy performance of his career, I am glad that he won one. Those may argue that it was a career-long Oscar, not necessarily for this film in particular, but that's another topic for a different day.
Anyways, this film opens with a wife and mother (Streep) leaving her husband (Hoffman) and son (Justin Henry). The first and second act are all about Hoffman's character adjusting to his new single-parent life. But, the plot complicates when Streep's character returns and wants to fight for custody of their son.
Overall, excellent performances are across the board. Even the eight-year-old Justin Henry was excellent. I really adored the complexity of the situation, and how many people who have not experienced a divorce in a family can now understand on a certain level. Hoffman brought me to tears more than once.
The reason it received a "B+" and not higher is only because I didn't enjoy the actual story. I understand that it was an inside look at the problems and gray-area of a divorce, however it never caught my full interest. Still a very good film, but not quite "A" worthy.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
DIRECTOR: James Foley
STUDIO: New Line Cinema
STARRING: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama
GRADE: B
I've been an Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon lover for a long time, but only recently have I started to admire what a quality actor Alec Baldwin is. Only recently did I discover that they starred in a movie together.
The movie is about real estate agents, who are having a hard time closing deals with their clients. When a harsh executive (Alec Baldwin) comes to demand the agents sell more or else, tensions grow higher and the agents will stop at nothing to sell.
All the actors in this film are nothing short of brilliant. Even Kevin Spacey, who was just getting started at this time, shined on screen in his character. Baldwin, though only on screen for about ten minutes, proved his talent for acting and ability to make an audience feel his character, not only see it. Lemmon and Pacino are outstanding, as usual, and make their mark on this film that no other actor could do for their role.
My only complaints is the length. While this movie used to be a play, theatre timing is much different than cinematic timing. And although it would have been a very short film if it was only 70 or 80 minutes, it would have felt tighter and less stretched out.
Regardless, the movie isn't exactly breathtaking, but if you want to see some superior acting from some classic actors, "Glengarry Glen Ross" is the film for you.
STUDIO: New Line Cinema
STARRING: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama
GRADE: B
I've been an Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon lover for a long time, but only recently have I started to admire what a quality actor Alec Baldwin is. Only recently did I discover that they starred in a movie together.
The movie is about real estate agents, who are having a hard time closing deals with their clients. When a harsh executive (Alec Baldwin) comes to demand the agents sell more or else, tensions grow higher and the agents will stop at nothing to sell.
All the actors in this film are nothing short of brilliant. Even Kevin Spacey, who was just getting started at this time, shined on screen in his character. Baldwin, though only on screen for about ten minutes, proved his talent for acting and ability to make an audience feel his character, not only see it. Lemmon and Pacino are outstanding, as usual, and make their mark on this film that no other actor could do for their role.
My only complaints is the length. While this movie used to be a play, theatre timing is much different than cinematic timing. And although it would have been a very short film if it was only 70 or 80 minutes, it would have felt tighter and less stretched out.
Regardless, the movie isn't exactly breathtaking, but if you want to see some superior acting from some classic actors, "Glengarry Glen Ross" is the film for you.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
DIRECTOR: John Schlesinger
STUDIO: United Artists
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight and Sylvia Miles
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama
GRADE: A-
The more I see Dustin Hoffman, the more I enjoy his acting. I never quite knew his range until I saw "Midnight Cowboy." I've always known the famous "I'm walking here!" car scene, but never knew the plot of the movie it came from.
Basically, "Midnight Cowboy" is about a country boy (Jon Voight) who comes to New York to be a male prostitute. When he finds himself unlucky (no pun intended) he befriends a conman, Ratso (Dustin Hoffman) to help him gain clients.
Although I felt like this film was about 10 minutes too long, it is a great example of how so many different acting styles can work together to help not only a good scene, but a good film. The directing was fantastic in this film and Hoffman is brilliant. You feel for his character by just seeing him give a look.
Any Hoffman fans must see, and Voight doesn't disappoint, as well. "A-" only for some minor flaws.
STUDIO: United Artists
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight and Sylvia Miles
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama
GRADE: A-
The more I see Dustin Hoffman, the more I enjoy his acting. I never quite knew his range until I saw "Midnight Cowboy." I've always known the famous "I'm walking here!" car scene, but never knew the plot of the movie it came from.
Basically, "Midnight Cowboy" is about a country boy (Jon Voight) who comes to New York to be a male prostitute. When he finds himself unlucky (no pun intended) he befriends a conman, Ratso (Dustin Hoffman) to help him gain clients.
Although I felt like this film was about 10 minutes too long, it is a great example of how so many different acting styles can work together to help not only a good scene, but a good film. The directing was fantastic in this film and Hoffman is brilliant. You feel for his character by just seeing him give a look.
Any Hoffman fans must see, and Voight doesn't disappoint, as well. "A-" only for some minor flaws.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
V for Vendetta (2005)
DIRECTOR: James McTeigue
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves
RATING: R
GENRE: Action, Thriller, Fantasy
GRADE: B+
I have waited too long to see this movie. I have heard nothing but good about it since it first came out, and I could not have watched it too soon.
This movie is about a vigilante, appropriately named "V," who is trying to start a revolution in a fictional future England. He befriends a fellow rebel (Portman) and their adventure as Guy Fawkes Day approaches.
While the plot may not make much sense, it is easy enough to follow. There are a few twists and turns, but it all has a point and is worth the ride. The acting is very well done and even the supporting characters contribute to the film as a whole.
My only real complaint is the character development, especially with Portman's character. Although we get her entire background, I felt her motivations lacking. This has nothing to do with Portman's acting, though, but more with the direction and just the material she had to work with.
Overall an excellent film, with some flaws here and there.
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves
RATING: R
GENRE: Action, Thriller, Fantasy
GRADE: B+
I have waited too long to see this movie. I have heard nothing but good about it since it first came out, and I could not have watched it too soon.
This movie is about a vigilante, appropriately named "V," who is trying to start a revolution in a fictional future England. He befriends a fellow rebel (Portman) and their adventure as Guy Fawkes Day approaches.
While the plot may not make much sense, it is easy enough to follow. There are a few twists and turns, but it all has a point and is worth the ride. The acting is very well done and even the supporting characters contribute to the film as a whole.
My only real complaint is the character development, especially with Portman's character. Although we get her entire background, I felt her motivations lacking. This has nothing to do with Portman's acting, though, but more with the direction and just the material she had to work with.
Overall an excellent film, with some flaws here and there.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The White Ribbon (2009)
DIRECTOR: Michael Haneke
STUDIO: Wega Film
STARRING: Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi, Leonie Benesch
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, Mystery
GRADE: B
I will begin this review by saying I have only ever seen two other German films, and while I know there are stylistic differences, I understand I don't quite "get" all of their purposes. On with the review.
This movie is about a small town in Germany, pre-WWII, and in the town, strange crimes start occurring. It is unclear who is doing them or why, and as the film continues, we learn about character's dark secrets and how things are not always as they seem. What I really did not like about the film, was how it tried to make the twist obvious, but then they steered into another direction entirely, with very little logic behind it. Although I understand that may have been the point all along, I did not appreciate that they also never had a true resolution. Even though I did not care for the plot all that much, the acting was very good, especially for how young some of the actors were. It was the darkness in some of the actors that carried this film. Overall, it was a good movie, and whether or not I enjoyed it does not matter as much as the technical aspect. A solid "B" movie. (no pun intended, for film addicts reading this)
STUDIO: Wega Film
STARRING: Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi, Leonie Benesch
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, Mystery
GRADE: B
I will begin this review by saying I have only ever seen two other German films, and while I know there are stylistic differences, I understand I don't quite "get" all of their purposes. On with the review.
This movie is about a small town in Germany, pre-WWII, and in the town, strange crimes start occurring. It is unclear who is doing them or why, and as the film continues, we learn about character's dark secrets and how things are not always as they seem. What I really did not like about the film, was how it tried to make the twist obvious, but then they steered into another direction entirely, with very little logic behind it. Although I understand that may have been the point all along, I did not appreciate that they also never had a true resolution. Even though I did not care for the plot all that much, the acting was very good, especially for how young some of the actors were. It was the darkness in some of the actors that carried this film. Overall, it was a good movie, and whether or not I enjoyed it does not matter as much as the technical aspect. A solid "B" movie. (no pun intended, for film addicts reading this)
Friday, November 9, 2012
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
DIRECTOR: Stanley Kubrick
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, War
GRADE: A-
Being in a film class this semester, I've began to view films in a different aspect. This was a film that we were required to watch, and it was quite an interesting film.
I have never been one for war movies before, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate their message and cinematography. In "Full Metal Jacket" we follow soldiers from boot camp until they finally reach the battlefield overseas. While some situations seem exaggerated, the film never lets the viewer doubt that they could actually happen.
This movie deserves an "A-" because the acting was outstanding - mainly from R. Lee Ermey as the crazy drill sergeant. I almost felt that I was watching a Tarantino film, considering how in the first half, the violence was used in a slightly comic manner. The direction was great and the cinematography was used well - especially in the final scene.
Overall, even if you aren't a fan of war films, like myself, I strongly recommend seeing this film sometime. It can truly let one get a deeper look at a realistic Vietnam war film.
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, War
GRADE: A-
Being in a film class this semester, I've began to view films in a different aspect. This was a film that we were required to watch, and it was quite an interesting film.
I have never been one for war movies before, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate their message and cinematography. In "Full Metal Jacket" we follow soldiers from boot camp until they finally reach the battlefield overseas. While some situations seem exaggerated, the film never lets the viewer doubt that they could actually happen.
This movie deserves an "A-" because the acting was outstanding - mainly from R. Lee Ermey as the crazy drill sergeant. I almost felt that I was watching a Tarantino film, considering how in the first half, the violence was used in a slightly comic manner. The direction was great and the cinematography was used well - especially in the final scene.
Overall, even if you aren't a fan of war films, like myself, I strongly recommend seeing this film sometime. It can truly let one get a deeper look at a realistic Vietnam war film.
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